PALMYRA, Ind. – The Indiana State Police (ISP) on Wednesday afternoon revealed more information about the officer-involved shooting that occurred in Harrison County on State Road 135, south of Palmyra, on Monday. Law enforcement says the investigation included interviews, collection and examination of physical evidence, collection and viewing of video evidence, and attending autopsies of both deceased individuals.
Investigators say that shortly before 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Justin Moore pulled his vehicle to the side of the highway after apparently running out of gas. He then asked a local resident for gas, or money to obtain fuel, before returning to his car which was still partially in the roadway. A reserve officer from the Palmyra Police Department arrived to assist. Jacob McClanahan and a friend who were traveling together in a pick-up truck also stopped to help.
During the interaction, the officer asked Moore if there were any weapons in the car and he supposedly said no. Moore was however in possession of a small knife, which the officer asked him to place back in his vehicle. As Moore entered his car to return the knife, he allegedly turned around brandishing a shotgun and fired at the officer, who returned fire with his department pistol. Moore fired a second time and fatally struck McClanahan. The officer fired again, killing Moore.
It has not been determined why Justin Moore, who is from Owensboro, Kentucky, was traveling in Indiana. The ISP investigation is ongoing.
